How Long Do Shih Tzus Live? Average Lifespan, Vet-Reviewed Data & Care Guide

The Shih Tzu is a popular companion dog breed. They are small and can adapt easily to life in an apartment with properly timed walks and adequate exercise. Originally bred as companion dogs for Chinese royalty, Shih Tzus have relatively low predatory instincts and are known for being loyal, affectionate, and friendly. They are also happy, active, and sociable dogs that, although needing a couple of daily walks, don’t require too much exercise.

Possibly another reason for their popularity is their predicted lifespan, as Shih Tzus have a general lifespan between 12 and 16 years, and many can go beyond even that, giving their owners a long lifetime of companionship.

How long your Shih Tzu will live is determined by a lot of factors, including nutrition and general care, as well as genetics and living environment.

What’s the Average Lifespan of a Shih Tzu?

The Shih Tzu is said to live between 12 and 16 years, although this is only a rough guide. Some may not live as long as 12 years, and some may live longer. Smokey, a Shih Tzu from Florida, was anecdotally believed to have lived 23 years, although this remains unverified, and there may be some that have lived longer but have never been documented or recorded. Their average lifespan is around 13 years.

Why Do Some Shih Tzus Live Longer Than Others?

While it is true that some Shih Tzus live as long as 16 years or more, others may only live 10 to 12 years. A variety of factors contribute to determining how long a dog of any breed will live, and while owners do have some control over some elements, some of it comes down to genetics and even a degree of luck.

Nutrition

Dogs are omnivores, which means that they naturally eat a combination of meat and plant ingredients, like people. Furthermore, the food we give to our dogs needs to meet their nutritional requirements for everything from protein and carbohydrates to different vitamins and minerals.

When buying dog food, owners are advised to make sure it meets American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards as a complete and balanced meal for dogs.

Small-breed formulations are available, and some are marketed for Shih Tzus to support coat and digestive health. As well as feeding the right food, it is important to feed the right amounts, according primarily to your vet or, if your dog is healthy and has no dietary plan set out by a veterinarian, according to manufacturer recommendations.

Daily food allowances should also be split over two meals a day, spaced as evenly apart as possible.

Environment and Conditions

Environment and living conditions can play a big part in how long a dog lives. Providing a safe, toxin-free space with plenty of room to move, as well as regular exercise and mental enrichment, can support a healthier, happier life. While you may not be able to control your neighborhood, you can make your home and yard as safe as possible.

Keep medicines, cleaning products, and other toxins in closed cupboards out of the way, and check that there are no plants in the garden that might cause harm.

Size

Shih Tzus are small dogs, and smaller breeds do tend to live longer than large dog breeds. A dog’s size and body condition relative to its breed standard can also influence overall health. Shih Tzus typically weigh between 9 and 16 pounds, depending on their build and breed standard.

Overweight and underweight dogs are less likely to reach their full lifespan potential, which is another good reason to ensure that you feed an appropriate diet.

Sex

Assuming they have been desexed, male and female Shih Tzus live approximately the same length of time. However, some reports suggest that females may actually live a little longer than their male counterparts.

Genes

Like any pure breed, Shih Tzus are predisposed to certain health conditions. They may develop luxating patellas and hip dysplasia, and although intervertebral disc disease can occur, it is not among the most common breed-related health issues. As a brachycephalic breed, Shih Tzus are particularly prone to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), which can affect breathing.

These conditions can impact a dog’s quality of life and, in more severe cases, may affect overall health and lifespan. While genetics cannot be changed, choosing a responsible breeder who screens parent dogs for common health issues can help reduce risks.

Remember to have regular vet visits when owning a Shih Tzu to keep their health and well-being. If you’re concerned about your dog’s health, we suggest you speak to a vet.

The 4 Life Stages of a Shih Tzu

1. Puppy

The puppy stage of a Shih Tzu’s life is when it will develop socially, physically, and mentally. The true puppy stage may last for approximately 6-8 months, although most puppies leave their mother at around 10-12 weeks of age, and continue their development with a new owner.

2. Adolescent Dog

By the time the Shih Tzu reaches 6-8 months of age, it is reaching the adolescent dog stage. Females may experience their first heat at around this time or later, close to 12 months of age, and males will also become sexually mature. Adolescent dogs are still developing, although their physical growth starts to slow by this stage.

3. Adult Dog

By around 12 months, physical growth will have almost fully stopped, and the dog is considered an adult when it reaches around 1 year of age. It may fill out a little more until it reaches 15 months of age, but this isn’t always the case. They remain adults until around 10 years of age.

4. Senior

The senior stage is a little more difficult to pinpoint and is said to occur when an adult dog slows down and enters its twilight years. For smaller breeds like the Shih Tzu, most consider senior age to occur at 10 years.

5. Geriatic

After their 14th birthday, they are considered geriatric and have slowed down considerably, requiring more care.

How to Tell Your Shih Tzu’s Age

Obviously, if you got your Shih Tzu from a breeder or when it was a puppy, you should have a good idea of its age. But if you have adopted one, it can be more difficult to tell. Up until adulthood, you can check their teeth. Shih Tzus get their adult teeth at about 6 months.

Beyond this, you will have to make the best judgment based on health, mobility, and looks. A veterinarian will generally look at dental health and other factors to give a clearer picture of the dog’s age.

Conclusion

The Shih Tzu is a very popular breed of small, companion dog. It is lively, friendly, and loyal. They can live in an apartment and are generally well-behaved, although they will expect treats and attention a lot of the time. Another reason for the popularity of the breed is its 12 to 16-year lifespan, although exactly how long one will live is determined by much more than just breed.

Factors like nutrition, general healthcare level, and even the environment in which the dog lives will have a big impact on how many years a dog lives. Some Shih Tzus have been known to live 20 years or longer.

See also: 

• Why Do Shih Tzus Stink? 4 Vet-Reviewed Reasons & Solutions

• Do Shih Tzus Bark a Lot? How Much & How to Stop It

Featured Image Credit: NcikName, Shutterstock